Hi, I've been working on a PA and music system project that needs to be integrated on the existing fire alarm system in a way that when there is a confirmed smoke, confirmed fire, all clear the PA system will be overriden and a recorded message will play.
I am using Bosch PLM-8M8 Matrix Mixer and Bosch PRS-NCO3 network controller.
I was wondering how will I connect my PA system to the Fire Alarm System?
Any inputs will be much appreciated. Thank you
I am using Bosch PLM-8M8 Matrix Mixer and Bosch PRS-NCO3 network controller.
I was wondering how will I connect my PA system to the Fire Alarm System?
Any inputs will be much appreciated. Thank you
I, like many here, can imagine how to do that, design and build such a system from scratch, but that won't help you, because we don't know how *your* system works.
I suggest you get the matching User Manuals for all products involved, (duh !!!) , read them, and if you have any doubt, post them here (or a direct link) and we'll try to help you.
But not guessing please, and even less on such a life saving system as you mention, any error can cost huge damages and Human lives, so it's better to go "by the book".
In fact, I guess such a system must be checked and approved by the pertinent local Fire Authority, very much doubt a standard Sound Installer and even a regular Electrician is approved to do that.
They'll certainly frown on it being installed "following some Forum advice" ,no matter what the Forum is.
I suggest you get the matching User Manuals for all products involved, (duh !!!) , read them, and if you have any doubt, post them here (or a direct link) and we'll try to help you.
But not guessing please, and even less on such a life saving system as you mention, any error can cost huge damages and Human lives, so it's better to go "by the book".
In fact, I guess such a system must be checked and approved by the pertinent local Fire Authority, very much doubt a standard Sound Installer and even a regular Electrician is approved to do that.
They'll certainly frown on it being installed "following some Forum advice" ,no matter what the Forum is.
@JMFahey, thanks for the input. I am still on the design stage. I already taken care of the PA side. My concern is the Fire Alarm System. I was wondering if anyone has done similar project before. I want to know what are the available interface on the FAS to be connected to my PA system. I still don't know the make and model of the FAS, I'm hoping that all FAS has same interface.
I work with fire alarm systems.
I don't see many problems with your configuration, still let me give you some hints:
1. The easiest way to interface a FAS to an external system (in your case, the PA system) is to use one or more relays on the FAS. These contacts must be activated/closed in case of smoke/fire/etc. and must be connected to the PA system. Try to get in touch with the installer of the FAS and see if they already installed some relay module. If not, they will have to install one and, in any case, they will probably have to re-program the FAS to activate those relays in case of smoke/fire. DO NOT TRY THIS YOURSELF IF YOU AREN'T A CERTIFIED FAS INSTALLER!
2. All FAS worth their name offer some other interfaces to third party systems, unfortunately there's really no standardisation on this side, with the exception of the MODBUS protocol. I took a quick look at the datasheets of the Bosch equipment you're going to use and didn't see any mention of the MODBUS protocol.
3. The Bosch network controller is certified according to the EN54-16 norms, therefore it should be accepted by your local fire authorities without any further ado.
4. The PA/music system doesn't really need any certification/acceptance from the side of the Fire Authority, as there's no real regulation. Nevertheless, the pre-recorded messages to be played in case of smoke/fire may be subject to local regulations (mainly regarding the texts and duration), as well as the minimum SPL; the general requirement is 85 dB at 3m, but in some countries it may be 90 dB.
I don't see many problems with your configuration, still let me give you some hints:
1. The easiest way to interface a FAS to an external system (in your case, the PA system) is to use one or more relays on the FAS. These contacts must be activated/closed in case of smoke/fire/etc. and must be connected to the PA system. Try to get in touch with the installer of the FAS and see if they already installed some relay module. If not, they will have to install one and, in any case, they will probably have to re-program the FAS to activate those relays in case of smoke/fire. DO NOT TRY THIS YOURSELF IF YOU AREN'T A CERTIFIED FAS INSTALLER!
2. All FAS worth their name offer some other interfaces to third party systems, unfortunately there's really no standardisation on this side, with the exception of the MODBUS protocol. I took a quick look at the datasheets of the Bosch equipment you're going to use and didn't see any mention of the MODBUS protocol.
3. The Bosch network controller is certified according to the EN54-16 norms, therefore it should be accepted by your local fire authorities without any further ado.
4. The PA/music system doesn't really need any certification/acceptance from the side of the Fire Authority, as there's no real regulation. Nevertheless, the pre-recorded messages to be played in case of smoke/fire may be subject to local regulations (mainly regarding the texts and duration), as well as the minimum SPL; the general requirement is 85 dB at 3m, but in some countries it may be 90 dB.
The Belgian brand Rodec has this feature optional on their flagship models, here is a description of this feature:
Alarm / music mute in / Priority in with volume level rotary (option)
Alarm / music mute in: when emergency signal appears, all music will be muted.
Alarm / music mute in can also be used as remote volume control.
DJ Microphone keeps working during the activation of the music mute function.
Priority RCA in can be used to transmit an alarm signal or recorded message.
Connection on my mixer are:
ground / negative / positive / +5 and room for the optional RCA plugs
Looks like this:
Transtel-Sabima | import & export - manufacturing & distribution - audio equipment
Alarm / music mute in / Priority in with volume level rotary (option)
Alarm / music mute in: when emergency signal appears, all music will be muted.
Alarm / music mute in can also be used as remote volume control.
DJ Microphone keeps working during the activation of the music mute function.
Priority RCA in can be used to transmit an alarm signal or recorded message.
Connection on my mixer are:
ground / negative / positive / +5 and room for the optional RCA plugs
Looks like this:
Transtel-Sabima | import & export - manufacturing & distribution - audio equipment
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